Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira has said he has been left impressed by Nathan Ferguson in training despite not knowing much about him before joining.
Speaking to the club’s official website, the French coach revealed that he has been impressed with the former West Bromwich Albion star. Ferguson joined Palace two years ago, however, injury problems have plagued the youngster’s time at the club.
The England youth international only made his first appearance for Palace on Boxing Day against Tottenham. However, it appears that the 21-year-old defender is finally returning to full fitness.
Before moving to Palace, Ferguson was one of the Championship’s most exciting young defenders, with the fullback thriving under Slaven Bilic.
And for the Palace boss, he has been fascinated by the youngster in training since arriving in south London.
Vieira said: “He’s been really impressive. I did not know a lot about him, but since he came back to training, he’s been really comfortable with the ball at his feet. He can defend really well in one v one situations. He has really good pace and is a really interesting young player.”
2022 can Ferguson’s year to shine at Crystal Palace
Injuries can strike down the best of players, yet it’s hard to think of a player who has been as unlucky than Ferguson since joining Palace in 2020. However, with the defender now fit, 2022 can be the year supporters finally see the best of the fullback.
Indeed, Ferguson lit up the Championship with West Brom, and with the defender already impressing Vieira, there’s a good chance we will see the youngster feature heavily for Palace in the coming months as the fullback returns from injury for good.
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